I haven't tried that method yet, but it sounds like a good idea. My course is now becoming hands on, so they won't have to text or check facebook. If still find time to be on phones then your method will come into play.
I always like breaking the students into groups and having them present something. This way it allows you to walk around and see who is contibuting to the group.
Since my classes are 4 hours long, I create a manual for each day that consists of various activities and their respective amounts of time. For example, I am lecture for 20 mins., have the students work in small groups for 30 mins., come back to lecture, and then move on to individual work. i find that if I vary the activities each day the students are increasingly attentive.
Hi Diane,
When the instructor is on their feet monitoring the room, students are a lot more attentive.
Patricia
In my experience with inattentive students I have made them part of the presentation. In this I mean I gave them a chance to add to the discussion. In reviewing for a specific exam, I handed out specific content areas to students. Those students who were inattentive were given areas that took a bit more research and effort but at the same time were slightly dry material. When presenting this to the class they had to deal with what I deal with on a daily basis. The result from all students was a greater appreciation for instructor preparation and the best part was the increased test scores.
by Ruth Whitaker
I feel that one can capture the attention of inattentive students by arranging for guest speakers to speak. This might help the student to realize the importance of the course in achieving their goals which would give credence as far as the relavency of the course.
One of the ways I try to engage inattentive students is to call on them specifically to answer questions. At first, I may have to repeat the quesiton, but I've found that they soon learn that I will do that, so they are more likely to begin paying attention in the first place. Another way is to learn about them and where they are coming from and then draw on that as it applies to the subject of discussion. Once I do that, they are more likely to join in with discussions.
sometimes i make these students my assistants in class--and sometimes I shock them with questions that they should know if they had paid attention.
Inattention could be caused by many things, but importantly is how to help the student become more engaged. Directing questions at specific students keeps them on their toes, and also breaking up lecture with in-class activities provides an environment for variety.
I always walk around the room while I am doing lecture. It seems to keep the students involved with the Power Points we do and I also then ask questions of the students while we are involved with the PP.
When I notice students who are becoming inattentive I move my instructions and have students complete group work activities. I may have a review game using PowerPoint or I might get students to come up and teach part of a lesson. I found the inattentive students got into the lessons and participated more.
I always like to stimulate students with all possible "attention getters" when it comes to teaching. So for my auditory learners I make sure that I lecture in an entertaining and confident tone, visual learners always love to see pictures that I include in my powerpoints, and role play is the key to catching the attention of my kinesthetic learners. Also videos and guest speakers are a good way of switching up from the old routine and always keeps the students suprised.
Hi Yuliya,
Students like it when variation is involved in teaching methods. The more creative you are, the more interested students are in the lecture.
Patricia
Hi Luequiten,
Students love to have fun while learning. Students tend to retain more and become more involved whenever excitement is taking place while learning.
Patricia
I try to ask questions throughout my lectures.
I try to use different in-class activities. I try to be creative.
By making the class fun and helpful learning at the same time, create an environment that excites learning.
Hi Karen,
I let my students know just because you are tired, your boss is not going to accept your poor performance for long. When you are at work, you are expected to work.
Patricia
I frequently use real world examples to show how the material is relevant.
The method I have used, and it works is the lecture and in-class activity point system. If you are on facebook, text messaging or leave my class during lecture to answer a phone call you loose the points for that class.
